Hello, my name is Travis. I am addicted to saws.......

[herdbull]

Or at least the need to upgrade to something bigger (again) . So when does it stop? , or doesn't it? It's inevitable that before this weekend is over I will own another Stihl as well. Something much smaller for limbing/yard work.

Here's a brief history. 14-15 years ago I owned a home with a FP. Bought meself a little 029 Farm Boss. Good little dependable saw for the occasional weekender. Sold the home, didn't need the saw, sold the saw.

Roughly 3 years ago I moved into a new home with 2 FP's. That led to one insert and now a bigger 30 and the smaller insert last spring. When I moved into here I bought another Farm Boss, now the 290. That lasted until last spring which I traded it in on an 044.

The 044 had a new jug/piston. A little beat up or maybe used is the correct term but she runs great. I went with a 20" full chisel chain. For 95% of what I cut this saw meets the requirements and then some.

But recently I've been searching CL for bigger, badder, stronger, more HP (sigh). Typically once I start down this road something will get bought .

As it looks anything over say an older 064 weighs about the same. Probably similar to my current saw. The 064 would be the minimal jump I'd make if I make it. But geeshzzz.... for the love of god how much HP do I need? I guess it's more of a want.

So I found this:

(broken link removed to http://appleton.craigslist.org/tls/3338651276.html)

and then this one that is so much saw I'm not sure what I'd do with it?

(broken link removed to http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/3304537524.html)

So I'm here, at saws anonymous, either looking for a push over the edge or for someone to talk me down.

 

[MrWhoopee]

When I was ordering an engine for my VW double-cab, I called Bernie Bergmann, an engine builder in L.A. To my surprise, I got Bernie himself. I told him I wanted a 1915 cc, which was what I had previously. He suggested a 2110, in his thick German accent, "Did you efer look out zee vindow uf an airplane und zay 'Gee, I vish dis ting had a schmaller enchine on it?'"

Of course, that "enchine" doesn't weigh any more than the "schmaller" one, and I don't have to carry it around all day. More horsepower is always beneficial, but there's a price to be paid in weight (potentially) and fuel consumption. On the other side, a man wants what he wants, and good tools are never a bad investment.
Go for it.

 

[Dairyman]

Both!

 

[Boog]

Hey Travis, I quess I'll be the voice here to talk you out of it, you need a smaller saw. I've been heating my house for almost 30 years now with mostly wood using a Charmaster wood/oil furnace. I originally only had a Stihl 031AV saw and did everything with it using 16 & 20" bars. About 10 years ago, I bought a small Stihl MS191T for limbing out trees. I wanted the "top handle" feature. The 031 was starting to show its age and there was no need to beat it any further on small stuff. About 3 years ago the 031 finally died and I bought an MS440 magnum, a monster to me. Bought 24 & 28" bars with it (but mainly use the 20" off the old 031). Then, just two months ago, the 191T cracked a connecting rod and pushed it through the upper crank case. Im 57 now and the weight of the 440 lets my lower back know it is there at the end of a day. So I went out and bought an MS250 CB to give me a "small" saw, and will just use the 440 for the big stuff. The "easy start" feature on that 250 CB is fantastic Its also the smallest Stihl saw now that retains the older "standard" rear handle design. I ended up rebuilding the 191T with some used and new parts and it fired up beautifully just this morning.

The bottom line from my perspective is that you really need to keep what you have and pick up a second smaller saw next, before you think about getting something bigger. Your back will thank you for it someday!

 

[MasterMech]

Or at least the need to upgrade to something bigger (again) . So when does it stop? , or doesn't it? It's inevitable that before this weekend is over I will own another Stihl as well. Something much smaller for limbing/yard work.

Here's a brief history. 14-15 years ago I owned a home with a FP. Bought meself a little 029 Farm Boss. Good little dependable saw for the occasional weekender. Sold the home, didn't need the saw, sold the saw.

Roughly 3 years ago I moved into a new home with 2 FP's. That led to one insert and now a bigger 30 and the smaller insert last spring. When I moved into here I bought another Farm Boss, now the 290. That lasted until last spring which I traded it in on an 044.

The 044 had a new jug/piston. A little beat up or maybe used is the correct term but she runs great. I went with a 20" full chisel chain. For 95% of what I cut this saw meets the requirements and then some.

But recently I've been searching CL for bigger, badder, stronger, more HP (sigh). Typically once I start down this road something will get bought .

As it looks anything over say an older 064 weighs about the same. Probably similar to my current saw. The 064 would be the minimal jump I'd make if I make it. But geeshzzz.... for the love of god how much HP do I need? I guess it's more of a want.

So I found this:

(broken link removed to http://appleton.craigslist.org/tls/3338651276.html)

and then this one that is so much saw I'm not sure what I'd do with it?

(broken link removed to http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/3304537524.html)

So I'm here, at saws anonymous, either looking for a push over the edge or for someone to talk me down.

I'm glad you chose to share your dilemma Travis.....

Ok after we break for cookies we can talk saws.....

Honestly why more saw? I get the displacement/HP thing but if you just want to cut bigger wood, then the 044 can by all means handle more than a 20" bar with authority. If it's just newer/shinier you're after, maybe a new MS441 or MS461 since the 044/20" combo seems to work pretty well for you. Are you planning on keeping the 044 or selling?

 

[HittinSteel]

It ended for me (big saw wise) when I carried a 394XP around in the woods for half a day.

I had my 372 ported shortly after that and couldn't be happier. Lightweight and I can run a 32" bar if I need to.

 

[lukem]

044 is plenty of saw for just about anyone. I'd be looking for a 260 if i had the itch for a new saw. Either that or get that 44 muffler mod'd and/or ported if you want some more HP.

 

[bogydave]

It took me several months of deciding, to replace my 28 yr old Husqy 61.
Ended up with Husqy 359.
I went a different direction from more power, I went for better weight to power.
Now I look at some new saws out there better weight to power numbers.

But
I want to have a MS362 and/or a 563xp, and a T435. and/or a MS201,
So always looking.

Glad my wallet & frugalness, "so far", has made me ask my self , Why?
The "why" has held me back, I can cut anything in the woods I want to cut, do it with plenty of power & speed.
I can limb, prune, fell & buck wood all day & the saw never gets tired.
I Have an old 61 as a back up & a small 14" craftsman.
BUT:
The thought "could I do it better, faster & easier with a newer saw" is always there. LOL

 

[DexterDay]

044 and a 20" is about as good as it gets. Unless you step up slightly to the 441/460/461 group.

My 460 with a 20" is like a Light Sabre Hell even the 036 is a bad @ss saw....

To want more weight than an 044 for an everyday saw?? I have a problem also. But bigger than 460/461, and I better be milling.

 

[HittinSteel]

It took me several months of deciding, to replace my 28 yr old Husqy 61.
Ended up with Husqy 359.
I went a different direction from more power, I went for better weight to power.
Now I look at some new saws out there better weight to power numbers.

But
I want to have a MS362 and/or a 563xp, and a T435. and/or a MS201,
So always looking.

Glad my wallet & frugalness, "so far", has made me ask my self , Why?
The "why" has held me back, I can cut anything in the woods I want to cut, do it with plenty of power & speed.
I can limb, prune, fell & buck wood all day & the saw never gets tired.
I Have an old 61 as a back up & a small 14" craftsman.
BUT:
The thought "could I do it better, faster & easier with a newer saw" is always there. LOL

I'd also ask the question why (hope that helps ). Besides maybe handling a little better, I doubt those newer saws would have a real noticeable power difference. If you get a hankering for a "little" more power you can always open up the 359's muffler. Or you could drop a ported 268XP top end in the old 61 like I did

 

[Nixon]

just buy a Ms 460 while they are available ,and grin . Get it ported ,and grin more .

 

[herdbull]

So after another good full day of cutting..... the 044 is really quite the butt-kicken saw! Lugging any more weight than that around all day might get to be too much. I don't think it would kill me but there would be a point at which it might not be "fun" to go cut all day.

When I bought this saw he had a 28" bar on it but we worked out a deal with the 20". I'm pretty happy with that choice too. This saw with the full chisel 20" slams through anything 20"-24" diameter. When I cut wood, I wanna cut wood, not wait for a pokey, smaller saw to do it's thing.

Don't get me wrong the 290 was a good saw but just not what I'm looking for. Right now there's no way in heck I'm going smaller for a primary saw. Now if a guy could sit down, take a few drinks of coffee while he's cutting through a 20", something like the 290 wold be fine. But after owning both this 044 is as small as I'd want to go for a main saw. Guess maybe I'll just do the muffler mod and keep cutting.

I did swing by the shop and there's quite a few used smaller saws in there. I just didn't have the cash with me today. If I did go the route of a bigger saw the 044 would have to go as I still plan on getting something much smaller for limbing. Definitely not after shinier, newer, prettier. It's all about production. I had a "new" saw and traded it in on probably a 15-20 year old saw.

Thanks for the input and reasoning.

 

[Nixon]

So after another good full day of cutting..... the 044 is really quite the butt-kicken saw! Lugging any more weight than that around all day might get to be too much. I don't think it would kill me but there would be a point at which it might not be "fun" to go cut all day.

When I bought this saw he had a 28" bar on it but we worked out a deal with the 20". I'm pretty happy with that choice too. This saw with the full chisel 20" slams through anything 20"-24" diameter. When I cut wood, I wanna cut wood, not wait for a pokey, smaller saw to do it's thing.

Don't get me wrong the 290 was a good saw but just not what I'm looking for. Right now there's no way in heck I'm going smaller for a primary saw. Now if a guy could sit down, take a few drinks of coffee while he's cutting through a 20", something like the 290 wold be fine. But after owning both this 044 is as small as I'd want to go for a main saw. Guess maybe I'll just do the muffler mod and keep cutting.

I did swing by the shop and there's quite a few used smaller saws in there. I just didn't have the cash with me today. If I did go the route of a bigger saw the 044 would have to go as I still plan on getting something much smaller for limbing. Definitely not after shinier, newer, prettier. It's all about production. I had a "new" saw and traded it in on probably a 15-20 year old saw.

Thanks for the input and reasoning.

Just rebuilt my 044 . Great saw . If you want production in a lighter saw ....562xp , or 550 XP'.

 

[ailanthus]

I would never be able to get over how much I would be spending for a saw to cut 5% of the wood I have access to. Point of diminishing returns at some point, no? I do get it that saws are awesome & fun to use, but I'm just not there (yet?)

 

[blades]

Welcome to CAD ( chainsaw acquisition disease) 12 years ago all I had was a little rebuilt poluan 35cc. Now there are 9 saws in the stable from 45cc to 80cc. I cut a lot of wood, sometimes stumps that are 5ft in dia. so I have the tools to cover most jobs. I scrounge all my heat so I get a lot of bigger stuff that others can not handle or do not want to.

 

[southbound]

i too suffer from CAD.. All I can say is buy what you want.. Do I need 3 041 stihl chainsaws hanging on the wall no but I got them

O and I carry a 460 all day for TVA but when I am out cutting for myself I run my 064 28in bar with the 066 top end on it my 064 20in bar is there if I need it and for a small saw I run my 046 20in bar.. I really see no need in anything smaller unless you are in a bucket truck...maybe do to the fact I do this kind thing for a living but carrying a big saw all day does not bother me...

 

[herdbull]

So I've searched the poop out of Arboristsite looking for a write-up on the muffler mod for an 044. I can't seem to find anything with pics. While it wouldn't be the end of the world to screw it up, I'd like to do it right the first time. Anyone have any links or their own description?

 

[MasterMech]

So I've searched the poop out of Arboristsite looking for a write-up on the muffler mod for an 044. I can't seem to find anything with pics. While it wouldn't be the end of the world to screw it up, I'd like to do it right the first time. Anyone have any links or their own description?

I think mosty just slap on the factory dual-port muffler and call it a day.

 

[MrWhoopee]

If I did go the route of a bigger saw the 044 would have to go as I still plan on getting something much smaller for limbing. .

Please disregard my last. I didn't realize getting a bigger saw meant getting rid of the 044. Never sell good tools.

 

[HittinSteel]

So I've searched the poop out of Arboristsite looking for a write-up on the muffler mod for an 044. I can't seem to find anything with pics. While it wouldn't be the end of the world to screw it up, I'd like to do it right the first time. Anyone have any links or their own description?

Post #9 is the easiest way..... make sure to re-tune when your done

(broken link removed)

 

[Danno77]

What's this CAD stuff? Both those saws are reasonably priced. Favorite quote was on the 088 "this is a $1700 saw new" Oh really? why bother saying how much a saw was new when you bought it 15 years ago?

Anyhoo... I sure hope I never get CAD.

 

[herdbull]

I didn't want to spend upwards of $50 to get a new muffler when this mod seems like it could be done fairly easy. I did see that post HittinSteel, but I also thought I saw one where there was holes added without the deflector and another with the existing port elongated but I'm not quite sure if it matters which route I take?

Guess it seems like there's a few ways to get this done and I didn't want to do it the wrong way, or drill too many holes or too big of holes. Maybe I'll go back over there and pound through some more threads. Or just order one from Baileys.

 

[Thistle]

I dual ported the muffler of my 288XPW in late July.$30 & change for the parts,maybe 30 minutes tops from start to finish.Run great before,even better afterwards.

1 single 25/64" hole,ignore the awful sketch on the masking tape,didnt make a slot after all.... I've since cut a little clearance notch in air filter cover for the top screw,it was a bit too snug & partially melted through after a few minutes of saw running.

 

[herdbull]

Nice, thanks for the pics.

 

[amateur cutter]

Hmmm..... tough call there. Check my sig & well you'll see which way I roll. I've got CAD beyond reason, so I try & get good deals on used saws. I just got a line on a good running 046 for $ 300.00, so I'm going after that tomorrow, it'll wear a 20" bar, the 036 will get the 18", the 034 will go on the shelf for now. The next saw will be an 066 or 660 to wear a 28" or 32" bar, the 064 will stay on the 24". I'd snag the 064 in a hot minute if it was in my neighborhood, I love mine in bigger wood. The 088 would be a milling saw, not fast enough for firewood unless you're working 48" & bigger a whole lot. Don't listen to me, you'll go broke. My philosophy is a saw for every bar length. I don't really have a problem, just cause I'll skip buying lunch to save for another saw right? Consider this your push over the edge. A C